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From: Judy Rouse (no email)
Date: Tue Feb 07 2006 - 09:27:21 EST
Keith,
Keith,
If you have the bucks to spare then get the BlueCharts, but they are not at
all necessary for the BVI. A paper chart and cruising guide is really all
you need; and if you are chartering then those will probably be provided by
the charter company. They usually spend 2 hours giving you a chart
briefing, or more time if you want it. Take notes and you will do fine.
The first time we went down there I was a total novice at sailing; had only
had a few lessons. I read the guide before the trip and highlighted the
anchorages--pink for okay for overnight areas and yellow for okay for
daytime anchoring or mooring only. Made it quick and easy to plan each
morning where we wanted to end up for the night. Everything was very
straightforward using just the paper chart and cruising guide.
Since you are an admitted novice, you should not attempt to enter those
areas that are marked as "off limits" by the charter companies. A lot of
charter customers think that doesn't apply to them; guess they are special.
But the charter companies warn you to avoid those few areas because they
either require local knowledge or are just downright dangerous when
conditions change. There are only a few places to avoid year round. There
are many places that differ greatly during the winter than during the
summer. An anchorage that is perfectly calm during the summer months can be
untenable during the winter because of the northern swells and the northern
ground swells. If someone recommends an anchorage to you, make sure you
know what time of year they enjoyed it.
If you want to go to Anegada, then only do so in a flotilla. It is NOT an
area for a novice and the channel markers are frequently missing. Pay the
$75 pp (or whatever it costs these days); sail up with them and let them
show you the entrance; get the tee-shirt; and enjoy the communal dinner.
Another warning is that you should not overnight on a Park Service mooring
ball. Those balls are not secured or maintained like the mooring balls that
charge for overnight stays. The Park balls are meant for short term daytime
use only. I know of 2 boats that were lost in Nov 2004 when they broke
loose during the night and went onto the rocks. It was extremely
irresponsible of Bob Bitchin to print his article in Latts & Atts magazine
about how he spent the night on a Park ball at Monkey Point while on a
Sunsail charter. The mooring line broke during the night and he just moved
over to another ball. Incredibly irresponsible of him to endanger another
person's boat so cavalierly.
Something that you might find beneficial is the "Virgin Anchorages", which
can be purchased for about $25 at the website that Dwight recommended.
Beautiful aerial photographs of dozens of the anchorages and harbors; and
can really help you orient as you approach. As best I remember it also has
overlaid drawings to indicate correct approaches. Obviously to be used in
conjunction with your paper chart.
Judy
-----Original Message-----
From: [mailto:]
On Behalf Of
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2006 5:14 AM
To:
Subject: Re: [world-cruising] BVI charts???
Thank you Judy and Bryan...
I'll only be cruising IN the BVI (I'm not quite up to the blue water
cruising abilities of many in this group -- yet! lol). Good info all around.
I guess
I'll buy a good paper chart to study beforehand.
Here's another question, however, related to the first. I have a Garmin
GPSMAP 60C, so GPS mapping is an option. Would I benefit very much
(specifically
in the BVI) from the BlueCharts? Is it really necessary? Or will I be just
as
well off with paper charts and my GPS (with all useful waypoints loaded)?
Thanks again for helping out a very enthusiastic newbie cruiser!
Keith
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